Young Adult

It’s a decent book, but it didn’t stand-out. And as it turns out the second book just came out a couple of months ago.

Title: EXOSeries: Exo; Book 1Author: Fonda LeeGenre: Science FictionAudience: YAROTS Setting: CU, Future, Aliens, Technology, FTL, DystopianSynopsis: It’s been a century of peace since Earth became a colony of an alien race with far reaches into the galaxy. Some die-hard extremists still oppose alien rule on Earth, but Donovan Reyes isn’t one of them. His dad holds the prestigious position of Prime Liaison in the collaborationist government, and Donovan’s high social standing along with his exocel (a remarkable alien technology fused to his body) guarantee him a bright future in the security forces. That is, until a routine patrol goes awry and Donovan’s abducted by the human revolutionary group Sapience, determined to end alien control. When Sapience realizes whose son Donovan is, they think they’ve found the ultimate bargaining chip . But the Prime Liaison doesn’t negotiate with terrorists, not even for his own son. Left in the hands of terrorists who have more uses for him dead than alive, the fate of Earth rests on Donovan’s survival. Because if Sapience kills him, it could spark another intergalactic war. And Earth didn’t win the last one…Recommendation: I recommend this series. It’s nothing special, but not bad.

I stand by everything I said before, the biggest difference was that this time it was an audiobook read by the silky tones of Wil Wheaton. My favorite part was when Mr. Wheaton got to read about himself in the book…..it’s not actually funny but it was ironic funny.

Wade/Parzival is still OP and still a jerk.

I also picked up on the political nature of some of the various elements. It’s not overly burdensome but I did notice it and one or two instances felt a bit forced or contrived.

It’s still a great book and a fun read. This was one of the first books I read and reviewed for the blog, 2 and a half years ago, and I can’t really add anything to it….. I guess I’ll need to wait longer before re-reviewing. Ok, the only reason I did it this time was because I had it on audiobook and the movie came out recently……which I still need to see and it doesn’t come out on DVD for almost two months. Basically, it was a matter of convenience.

So, do you remember when I said Legend might be the best YA Dystopian ever? Prodigy doesn’t live up to it, and I won’t be reading the last book in the trilogy.

Title: ProdigySeries: Legend Trilogy; Book 2Author: Marie LuGenre: Dystopian/Science FictionAudience: Teen/Young AdultROTS Setting: CU, Modern/Near-Future, DystopianSynopsis:Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic’s most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots – a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?Recommendation: This series is In Dispute for me now. Caution should be taken with this series.

First things first- we all made it to 2018! I feel like I probably haven’t posted since I lost a kidney… but during recovery and since then, I have read many books, maybe even while I should have been studying. What can I say? Books are my brain food.

Title: The RithmatistSeries: The Rithmatist SeriesAuthor: Brandon SandersonGenre: Science Fiction, FantasyAudience: YAROTS Setting: Alternate Reality, Magic, ClockworkSynopsis:More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings—merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing—kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery—one that will change Rithmatics—and their world—forever.

I stopped after 3 chapters (75 pages). The MC/POV character, Ingray, was far too YA for me and the two other characters completely lacked a personality. The premise couldn’t hold my attention and the world-building had interesting elements but it lacked cohesiveness. We’re treated to at least 4 info-dumps in those first 3 chapters but not one to tell us how and why a new set of pronouns are to be used. Ms. Leckie once again springs abnormal pronoun usage on the reader but fails to explain or integrate it so the learning curve is near vertical.

Basically there isn’t any reason to keep reading but it’s often burdensome to do so. There isn’t anything I want to know more about, including what happens to the characters. So I’m cutting loose quick and moving on.

Yep, this is yet another YA dystopian. But I wager it’s one of the best…..ever.

Title: LegendSeries: Legend Trilogy; Book 1Author: Marie LuGenre: Dystopian/Science FictionAudience: Teen/Young AdultROTS Setting: CU, Modern/Near-Future, DystopianSynopsis:What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.Recommendation: I would recommended this book for teens, and lovers of dystopians.[UPDATE: This series is In Dispute for me now. Caution should be taken with this series.]